Not too long ago we reported on the prospects of online gambling regulation in South Africa. It was previously rumored that a bill was being drawn up to set forth regulatory protocols by the Department of Trade and Industry. Well, those rumors can now rest, for the DTI has indeed drawn up a legislative bill called the National Gambling Amendment Bill in response to the results of lengthy study on the online casino gaming industry over two years ago.

The minister for the casino industry in South Africa, Mandisi Mpahlwa, is credited for authoring the legislation. Mphalwa has expressed that in order to protect the interests of its citizens, the online gambling industry must be regulated. Only by doing so will the South African government be able to effectively prevent and detect organized crime, as well as protect players from being swindled by rogue online casino operators. Another major concern presented in the legislation is the protection of underage and potential problem gamblers.

Likely influenced by the online gambling regulations adopted by the United Kingdom, where protecting the underage seems to be the chief concern amongst pro and anti-online gambling supporters alike, the National Gambling Amendment Bill looks like it is headed in the right direction.

Some of the provisions in the bill specifically call for online casino operators to be prohibited from extending credit to players, as well as immediately crediting an account when winnings are earned by players. Those who choose to gamble at regulated online casinos in South Africa must have a valid account with a licensed financial institution or bank.